What it is

Hip fractures include breaks of the femoral neck and fractures of the acetabulum. They occur after high-energy trauma in younger adults and after low-energy falls in older adults.

Surgical care is common, followed by staged rehabilitation to restore mobility, strength, and independence.

What happens when it occurs

Bone fails under impact. Surgery stabilises the fracture or replaces the joint. Early mobilisation reduces complications and speeds recovery.

Common causes and risk factors

  • Falls in older adults; road trauma and sport impacts in younger adults
  • Osteoporosis or low bone density
  • Poor vision, balance deficits, and medications increasing fall risk

Who is most affected

Older adults after a fall and younger adults after high-energy trauma.

Typical symptoms

  • Severe groin or hip pain and inability to bear weight
  • Leg appears shortened or rotated for femoral neck fractures
  • Acetabular fractures present with deep hip pain and limited motion

When to seek care

Immediate emergency care is required. Do not attempt to walk on a suspected fracture.

How we diagnose

X-rays confirm diagnosis. CT and MRI define complex patterns and guide surgery.

Management

  • Surgical fixation or replacement, early weight-bearing as allowed
  • Physiotherapy-led mobilisation, strength, balance, and gait training
  • Bone health assessment and fall-prevention planning

Rehabilitation milestones

Phase 1 days 0 to 7: bed mobility, transfers, early gait with aids.

Phase 2 weeks 1 to 6: progressive weight bearing, hip and knee strength, stair practice.

Phase 3 weeks 6 to 12: balance and endurance, community walking goals.

Phase 4 months 3 to 6: higher-level function and return to chosen activities.

Readiness to progress

  • Safe transfers and walking with appropriate aid
  • Pain controlled at rest and with exercise
  • Imaging and surgical guidance for load changes

Prevention

  • Bone health assessment and management
  • Home safety review and balance training
  • Vision check and medication review

Australia snapshot

  • Managed through public and private hospital pathways with rapid surgery targets
  • Common in older adults; younger cases follow road or sport trauma
  • Supported discharge programs and community rehab are widely available

Latest insights

Early mobilisation under guidance is key to reclaiming independence.

Address bone health and falls risk to prevent future fractures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Timelines vary with fracture type and surgery. Many progress from a frame to a cane over weeks under guidance.

Femoral neck fractures may be fixed or replaced depending on pattern, age, and goals.

After safe walking and adequate reaction times are restored and cleared by your team.

Raised chairs, rails, and shower aids improve safety early.

Low-impact activity returns first. Higher loads are introduced gradually when strength and imaging milestones are met.

Calcium, vitamin D, and bone density assessment are standard after fragility fractures.

A multimodal plan balances comfort with alertness for safe rehabilitation.